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Cultivating the Nation

An in-depth exploration of Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, detailing its history, budget, organizational structure, and significant criticisms.

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Historical Roots

Ayutthaya Period Origins

The ministry's origins trace back to the 14th century during the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. The "Kromma Na" (Farm Ministry) was established in 1350. Its responsibilities included managing agricultural resources like rice, overseeing land reformation, irrigation, and livestock, collecting grains for the royal granary, managing royal landholdings, resolving land ownership disputes, and appointing provincial officers.[1]

Evolution Through Eras

Throughout the Rattanakosin Kingdom and subsequent periods, the ministry underwent several name changes reflecting evolving administrative structures and responsibilities. Key name changes include:

  • 1892: Ministry of Kasetpanichakarn
  • 1898: Ministry of Kasettrathikarn
  • 1932: Ministry of Kasetpanichayakarn
  • 1933: Ministry of Setthakarn
  • 1935: Ministry of Kasettrathikarn
  • 1952: Ministry of Agriculture
  • 1972: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (Current Name)

This evolution highlights its enduring importance in Thailand's agrarian society.[2]

Financial Allocation

Fiscal Year 2019 Overview

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives' budget for Fiscal Year 2019 was allocated at 108,997 million baht. This represents a decrease from the FY2018 budget of 122,573 million baht.[3]

Royal Irrigation Department's Significance

A substantial portion of the ministry's budget is dedicated to the Royal Irrigation Department (RID). The RID accounts for over 50% of the ministry's total budget, underscoring the critical role of water resource management in Thailand's agricultural sector.[3]

Organizational Structure

Administration and Oversight

The ministry's administrative functions are managed through several key offices:

  • Office of the Minister
  • Office of the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives
    • Kasetradhikarn Institute
    • Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation

Dependent Departments

These departments are directly responsible for various agricultural sectors:

  • Department of Agricultural Extension
  • Agricultural Land Reform Office
  • Department of Agriculture (including the Rubber Research Institute)
  • National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards
  • Office of Agricultural Economics[5]
  • Cooperative Auditing Department
  • Cooperative Promotion Department
  • Department of Fisheries (Thailand)[6]
  • Land Development Department
  • Department of Livestock Development
  • The Royal Irrigation Department
  • Rice Department
  • The Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture

State Enterprises

These entities operate as commercial organizations under the ministry's purview:

  • Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand
  • Fish Marketing Organization
  • The Marketing Organization for Farmers
  • Rubber Authority of Thailand
  • Office of Rubber Replanting Aid Fund

Public Organizations

These organizations focus on research and development:

  • Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization)
  • Highland Research and Development Institute (Public Organization)
  • The Golden Jubilee Agricultural Museum (Public Organization)[4]

Points of Contention

Farm Chemical Usage

The ministry has faced criticism for its perceived role in promoting the extensive use of farm chemicals. Observers argue that the ministry has become a "mouthpiece for agro giants." Thailand ranks as the world's fifth-largest user of farm chemicals, with approximately 70 pesticides used being banned in Western countries.[7] The Eleventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012-2016) noted Thailand's leading position globally in the application of chemicals in agriculture, citing ineffective control mechanisms.[8]

Controversy Over Deputy Minister Appointment

The appointment of Captain Thamanat Prompow as deputy minister in July 2019 drew significant criticism. This was due to his prior four-year prison sentence in Australia for heroin smuggling.[10] Despite this, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam stated Thamanat was eligible to serve, as he had not been prosecuted by the Thai judiciary. The Thai constitution prohibits individuals convicted of narcotics offenses from being elected MPs, but legal interpretations allowed for his appointment.[11] Thamanat himself contested the Australian reports of his conviction.[12]

References

Sources

  1. "Ayutthaya Period". Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  2. "Early Rattanakosin Period". Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  3. "Thailand's Budget in Brief Fiscal Year 2019". Bureau of the Budget. p. 85. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  4. "Organization Chart". Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative of Thailand. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
  5. "News & Events". Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE). Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  6. "Home". Department of Fisheries. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  7. Ekachai, Sanitsuda (26 November 2016). "Organic rice a saviour for struggling farmers". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  8. The Eleventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012-2016). Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board. 26 October 2011. Archived from the original on 17 January 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  9. Charuvastra, Teeranai (9 September 2019). "Minister won't explain heroin conviction, jail time in Australia". Khaosod English. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  10. Ruffles, Michael; Evans, Michael (9 September 2019). "From sinister to minister: politician's drug trafficking jail time revealed". The Age. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  11. Boonbandit, Tappanai (10 July 2019). "A convicted MP can become minister: deputy PM". Khaosod English. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  12. "Thamanat dismisses drug past report". Bangkok Post. 10 September 2019. Retrieved 10 September 2019.
  13. Charuvastra, Teeranai (10 September 2019). "THAMMANAT THREATENS TO SUE AUSSIE PAPER FOR DRUG ALLEGATION". Khaosod English. Retrieved 10 September 2019.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (Thailand) Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This information is not official advice. The content provided on this website is derived from public sources and should not be considered a substitute for official government documentation or expert consultation. Users should verify critical information through official channels.

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